On the road. Miami coming off an unexpected loss. A fair assumption would be that Miami will thrash the Sixers tonight.
But that’s why they play the games.
I have full confidence that the Sixers will at least do their part. Play hard and not just roll over for the Heat tonight. The question is what Heat teams shows up? The one that demonstrates all that talent they have to the fullest. Or the one that coasts through parts of games, look out of sorts and disoriented on the floor.
Doug Collins was honest at the beginning of this series when he said the Heat are the better team. They are. They have more talent and are capable of a much higher level of play than are the Sixers. But that’s the rub. If they don’t compete at that level consistently it doesn’t matter.
I have no idea how the Heat will come out tonight. You’d have to think highly motivated and looking to put the game away early (and avoid the random, uncontrollable bounces that can occur at the ends of close games). But I thought that last game and the Heat didn’t come out and show a killer instinct then. Why would they now?
What I know for is if they do it will be because of Wade. He has been here before and carried a team across the finish line. On the other hand LeBron has played well but ultimately come up lame in the past and Bosh isn’t even worth mentioning.
So what’s the strategy? Do not let Wade get hot early, get in a groove and dominate this game. Secondly, jump out on the Heat – again! The pressure is already weighted heavily on their shoulders, getting down early will only compound that. If those two things happen it could make for a very uncomfortably situation for the Heat and a very interesting game for Sixers fans.
At the end of the day though, this is the type of game superior teams dominate. They are pissed for losing a game they believe they shouldn’t have, are in the comfort of their own homes and chomping at the bit to destroy their opponent. Let’s hope the Sixers come ready and don’t back down.
This is your game thread.
Not looking good, in the close games the Heat didn’t start playing well until the 2nd quarter, they seem to have gotten on track early today.
Is it me or is the not playing with any life today? Not looking good…
WOW, incredible spin move by Jrue, WOW
Some good news – this has become one of our better 2nd quarters
Can someone at least put a hand in Chalmers’ face? And what a terrible attempt by Hawes on that last shot….
Lou reverts back to “terrible” mode, I can’t believe he even tried to take LeBron at the end of the quarter there.
jurnee, i’m curious, who do you want the Eagles to draft? if i remember correctly you’re the football guy…
Well I would say I’m the football guy, I’m the UF student and wrote the Riley Cooper post right after he was drafted, and I know the SEC really well…I think their #1 priority should be a CB opposite Assante, I’d be happy if Jimmy Smith fell to them or if they traded up for one of the other two…but, those three are head and shoulders above the rest in the draft and I wouldn’t want them to get anyone else…if they don’t get one of those three guys I’d want them to take UF’s Janoris Jenkins in the supplemental draft…he would’ve been the first CB taken in 2012 if he hadn’t just gotten dismissed from the team…his only weakness is that he refuses to smoke his pot in the comfort of his own home….
meant to say I wouldn’t say I’m the football guy*
jurnee, thanks, i didn’t want to just rely on philly.com for my draft info; if it’s anything like their basketball info it’ll be lacking
Spencer Hawes should not do anything besides pass
looks like LeBron is crying and not getting back on D just because he didn’t get a call, shit will really hurt them when they play a good team….
Wow, the best basketball of the series is being played, i’m afraid i’ll miss something if i comment
Another great attempt by Lou
Take Lou out put Jrue In please, didnt comment in 1st half but Turner did a hell of a job on James limiting him to jump shots and boxing him out.
and on cue he travels….
FREEEEE THROWWWWWSSSSS !!!!!!!!!
Hopefully Lou hitting that lucky terrible shot in game 4 makes him trade-able
Bosh is so annoying…he gets fouled and misses the shot, but runs around screaming like he made it….
I like this lineup on the floor but gotta rebound
Just caught up my DVR… a couple thoughts
Not sure if you noticed it Pete but a great example of your 6th bullet was earlier in the fourth…Bosh got called for a very obvious foul…he proceeded to put his hands on his hips like an angry teenage girl and glare at the refs…also was in disbelief when when LeBron didn’t get the foul call that led to the Spolelstra Tech…he refused to even get back on D after that…because of how much they btich when they don’t get calls I’ve developed much more of a dislike for the Heat after this game and I wasn’t someone who hated on them that much after the decision
and on cue Wade gets a Tech for complaining about a call…
Unless Wade was saying “that was great fucking defense from Evan Turner” he’s totally and completely wrong
Totally agree with how big strong and fast LBJ is he complains a ton about a little contact. Man up James, still hate kobe and the Lakers more than the Heat
Nice moment with Doug and Elton there
Iggy is so wack if your gonna take a jumper gotta be a three what the hell does a contested mid range jumper do for you
Just lost a TON of respect for Dwayne Wade for that dunking at the buzzer…what a classless move….
and him “thanking us” for getting them ready for Boston in the post-game. he really wasn’t this douche-y before – used to be one of my fav players
Agreed
also, apparently the over/under was 186….
I agree with that over/under. IMO I think there is a ton of sports betting by player. No reason for that dunk but to cover a spread or to show up the team that gave them fits. Either way classless and suspect. Wade is a pssy for that.
And that is why the Heat are the most hated team in the NBA this year! Disrespectful indeed.
LeBron using a Jay-Z lyric about the Sixers being breakfast. I’m sorry, but that Big 3 is immature. They are putting their endorsements and comments ahead of the essentials to winning “Seven, Eight, Nine” Championships. Boston will kick their ass in 6. A game 7 will not bode well for the Heat– too much scrutiny.
Erik Spoelstra is in a tough position– not a bad coach, but he is dealing with prima donnas. That team needs a better supporting cast, as well as a sense of maturity from that Big 3.
I think the Sixers matchups with the Heat will be on national TV next season. They played the Heat hard. I hope the Sixers do get more national TV appearances for the public to see how hard this team works and plays.
Its strangely appropriate that our last legitmate chance to score a meaningful basket this year ended up with igoudala settling for a jumper after not making any attempt to run a play.
thanks Sixers, that was a fun game. Would be nice to have won but when Joel Anthony is hitting free throws, what can you do.
I hope they get destroyed by the old man Celts.
To the off-season.
I’d like to see how Iguodala gets killed for missing that shot.
The Heat are a lazy bunch. They have a long way to go before they can even think about winning a Championship. Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony are the difference makers for that team. They should be starting. Instead, they give Bibby and Big Z the positions. The Celtics will beat them in that series.
Again, I can see why the Celtics lost that game to the Heat this month to avoid playing the Sixers in the 1st round. The Celtics wanted to rest themselves and really wear out the Heat’s Big 3 if even if it meant sacrificing homecourt. The Sixers would have been in a deep series with the Celtics, with the Celtics likely prevailing in 6 or 7.
Anyway, next year the bar will be raised for the Sixers, but how much. The Sixers will soon realize what each win means for playoff seedings and confidence. That team should shoot for #4 in the East and get homecourt in the 1st round. Home Court has become relevant again. The Magic and the Hawks are losing their touch somewhat. The Knicks need depth.
All I am saying is that the Sixers better not be a one year wonder. I would love to see the Sixers and the Pacers play in the playoffs and perhaps go deeper. Demonstrate to the NBA what true basketball is all about!
GO SIXERS!!
Yeah the Heat look way too over-confident. I could have sworn I saw panic in their eyes in the 4th when Iggy and Thad were hitting shots and the refs weren’t singing for them. They can thank Anthony for that win. They really believe they can turn it on at will and I really want to see how that attitude fares against a much smarter defensive team.
So far in the playoffs we have seen side-effects of being under-prepared.
The Lakers had to ride Kobe (who took almost zero jump-shots in that 4th quarter) to win game 5 against a depleted Hornets squad, and I doubt they win that game in New Orleans.
The Spurs needed miracles from Neal and Ginobli to force a game 6, which they will eventually lose, against a talented but inexperienced Memphis team.
Or is it more a case of the talent disparity shrinking? Teams are suddenly more competitive than before. I really want to see that become a trend. Perhaps a hard cap will help.
I’ll go ahead and completely disagree with that.
They can thank Mario Chalmers for keeping them in the game and thank Wade for NOT panicking and making shots late in the 4th when LeBron gladly deferred.
I also don’t think they were over-confident. To say that basically says the Sixers had little to do with this series being close, it was all Miami not coming to play. I think they underestimated the Sixers (why wouldn’t they, they beat them every time in the regular season – I think most superior teams would have).
But more importantly I just don’t think they are ready in general to be a great team. That shit doesn’t just happen over night because you get better players. A lot of things have to be jiving. The Celtics made it happen in large part because of Doc Rivers and because the additional pieces fit perfectly together like a glove.
Miami’s coach is inexperienced and their pieces aren’t perfect fits. I also think if they had Haslem this series wouldn’t have been as close. (I also don’t think Bibby is going to continue to shoot 20% from three when every shot is wide open)
After watching this series I now say we need to trade Iggy for a flat out scorer like Monta Ellis or a above average physical big man.
Evan Turner can be our fill a stat sheet guy, like Iggy now but a small drop in defense.
Jrue is are most clutch player going forward he hit some big free throws and looked confident with the ball and should be handling he ball at the end of the game
Doug Collins is the man seemed like he just got done crying
I won’t kill Iggy for that last shot. Wasn’t the right shot, but he had been making them all night.
My quick thoughts on the off-season
Oh – and I would like to buy a Jrue Holiday jersey, my first non-Iverson Sixers jersey
I got one at the beginning of the year
agree on lou, and as far as hawes, i don’t want to see him in a sixer uniform next year either. makes me cringe watching him as our center.
unless you can really get value in return for iggy, i would love to see more of the 1-3 of jrue/turner/iggy next year, with a huge hope that turner can improve his jumpshot in the offseason.
I agree with most of Petes points. Except i watched very little college basketball this year, so i can’t comment on the draft.
I struggle with the Igoudala question a bit - even though i get totally disgusted with his shots sometimes, i still like him as an overall player. But ultimately if we got at least some kind of decent value back, i’d be OK with letting him go & throwing Turner in the fire. I think that ultimately they’re players with a similar skill set & since we’re probably not winning anything big next year anyway, you may as well see if Turner can develop.
Winnable game, but overall, incredible effort and lots of positive things to take away from the series/season.
But first with the Heat, I can’t believe I will actually root hard for the Celtics next round. Wade’s dunk at the end, their pre/post-game condescending comments, constant bitching… they’re not gonna handle adversity well against a more seasoned playoff team. I won’t be able to stomach them making it any further in the playoffs.
As for the Sixers…
1- this will be Jrue’s team soon enough. awesome playoff series and should be a top10 PG in the league next year
2- turner – reason #1 against tanking your season and why the playoffs are so important. had 3 very good games in the playoffs, showed a lot of confidence/aggressiveness, much better defense on lebron than anyone would have expected, unbelievable rebounder for a guard. he will fill stat sheets and you could see him growing during this series, which hopefully translates to further growth next season.
3- brand – incredibly classy/professional; obviously not worth the contract, but did anyone ever expect this kind of rebound season from him after last year’s eddie fiasco? was lights out this last game until it looked like he was just running out of gas
4- jodie – not a starter, but proved to be the shooter they desperately needed
5- Igoudala – can’t wait to see all the haters come out because of that last shot; that withstanding, we don’t stand a chance in this game without him and had several clutch shots down the end; he’s the best wing defender in the league, above average playmaker (assist/TO ratio much better this year), great in open floor. just not a good jump shooter and settles too often. trade him or don’t trade him, fact remains… he is their most valuable overall player, hands down (until jrue takes over in a couple years). Here’s to hoping Collins returns next year (if there even is a season); get another shooter and a defensive big and can’t wait to continue watching this team grow.
Turner’s post-game tweet
“Great season. I learned a lot. Can’t wait for next year. This offseason is definitely going to be big for me. Thanks for supporting us, too!”
hey Turner, add this to the to-do list – pump fake.
for directions on how-to, consult Louis Williams.
I am very proud of this team, and feel things aren’t as bleak as I thought as far as this conference and its top teams when the playoffs began. Chicago, Boston, Orlando all have chinks in their armor and we always play Atlanta tough. Miami was the worst possible draw for our team and we battled tough without any presence at the center spot.
I think this series showed this team will win with defense and if our 2 weakest defensive links [Lou and Hawes] can be replaced that could lead to good things. Use Lou to get a late 1st rounder, come out of this draft with a young big, a shooter and one undrafted R.Evans type [J.Harrelson, McGhee from Pitt., R.Jackson or M.Macvan] and see what Spieghts can get you [R.Lopez, J.Hill, D.J.White, Mozgov?]
Collins at his press conference said he told his players to look around and enjoy the past 8 months because some of them won’t be here next season. whew. Way to step up and take charge Doug. Great season, better coach. I hope in the off season he doesn’t look for guys he has an affection for, Nocioni, Hawes and instead goes for what they really need. I can’t believe I wont’ see another Sixers game until October.
Amazing how the outlook on Evan Turner has changed in these past 5 games.
Not saying the outlook shouldn’t have changed… he put together a great season.
This is probably the most excited I’ve been for what this team CAN do in the future for quite sometime.
Still would like to see Turner for another full season before I decide on him as a player, hopefully he can make the same progression that Jrue did in his second year. If you remember, Jrue really didn’t do anything eye opening until about halfway through the year, then he stepped it up. I think this series gave Evan the confidence he needed going into the offseason.
Speaking of Jrue, is there much doubt that he will be a top 6-7 PG in this league within the next couple of seasons? Consistency will be the big thing with him. That and he needs to be more of a distributor if we decide to get rid of Andre.
A lot of great discussion for the next couple of months.
I would also like to give praise to Elton Brand for the way he bounced back this season. I had been VERY critical of Brand simply because of his lack of production as the big money free agent we brought in. He did everything he could to recover from injury, be a good teammate, and keep his cool even when EJ sat him on the bench late in games last season. Then he came back this year and pretty much did everything we could have asked him to do.
Props to Elton Brand.
Comment should read:
“he put together a great series” in regards to Evan Turner.
To say great season would be a bit of a stretch.
I try to be fair – I didn’t like Ashley Fox’s piece on Jrue Holiday, but I this was good: “Change Is Inevitable For the Sixers”; especially good was her reporting on Iguodala in the 2nd half of the article, how #9 might be wanting out of here.
Great game from him last night, though. I’d never seen him want to win a game so badly before. He might’ve made “the leap” that sportswriters are always talking about. He was playing at Wade’s and LeBron’s level night, and I’m not just talking about those jumpers that were going in, it was the way he carried himself, the way he somehow managed to convince himself that he was on Wade’s and LeBron’s level, that somehow he was entitled to greatness. He talks the talk a lot, but last night was the first time he really walked it.
My previous dream scenario was to trade Iguodala, Jrue and Thad to Minnesota for Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio and Michael Beasley, but my instincts tell me that ”the leap” that Iguodala made last night wasn’t temporary, and that it was for real, and I would would prefer to trade anyone else except Iguodala to New Orleans for Chris Paul. Jrue’s stock has never been higher, and we might be able to do it without giving up Evan Turner (whose one-on-one games with Iguodala might have had a lot to do with Iggy’s performance last night, and keeping those two together could be the key to the development of both).
The Sixers are in the best position ever for getting a superstar (Paul! Paul! Paul!) since getting the #1 pick in 1997, and our executive is Rod Thorn, who, guess what, used to work with David Stern in the league front office, and guess who controls the Hornets now (the NBA), and as anyone knows, getting things in life is all about who you know.
are you really gonna put that much stock in one game?
but I am with you in the sense that I would trade Jrue, Thad, Lou, Meeks, and whatever spare parts and expiring contracts necessary for Paul. If we clean out our roster and have only Iggy, CP3 and Brand, it will be worth it, even with the contracts, because that’s how good Chris Paul is.
heck I’d do this straight up; http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3zjey5e
jkay, about the trade, i think the Hornets would be willing to take less, they don’t have money and so are a cost-cutting team, instead of Turner throw in Nocioni, add a draft pick; i also don’t know if they can take all those players
about Iguodala, I’m not completely comfortable putting that much stock in one game, but he just seemed so different last night – he never goes mano-a-mano with players from the other team, NEVER
and it seems like from his comments about having a better year next year that maybe he has realized something, that some sort of light bulb has gone on (talking about putting too much stock into one thing, i really love the potential benefits of him and Turner doing the 1-on-1′s in practice, it seems like a terrific opportunity for growth and development for both players)
also, i don’t know how he could have a better year next year unless he’s talking about scoring more, which means less shots for everybody else; or handling the ball more, which means less directing of the offense from Holiday; or it’s just his weird media-speak
you do know that even if Paul is being traded, that we probably won’t get him. that trade was just to show that I’d give any good player under 25 to fish him out of the marshes. If he was given a choice, he’d probably want to play with much bigger ‘stars’ than Brand and Iguodala. And if it is the management’s call, the pieces we offer will still not be as exciting as what others will put on the table. No offense to Jrue. Maybe if someone there REALLY likes him.
Iguodala has gone mano-a-mano with other players before, or at least has tried to (see Kobe, Durant), only difference is that this time he had some success. Don’t get me wrong, I thought for a player hampered by injury, the effort he put towards being aggressive in the 4th is further testament to his competitiveness. His problem has always been ability not toughness, heart, winning mentality or any of those overused criticisms. When it comes down to it, as much as he wants to, he can’t replicate performances like that. Basically his shot was falling. A statistical probable event of 1 in 4 or 5 circumstances.
You can make a case for this year being the year he bought into the team mentality and really focused all his energy on doing anything to help the team win.
I don’t think Deron Williams was that excited to be going to NJ, either, but what could he do? If we trade for a superstar, we have as good a chance as anyone unless the player specifically says he wants to play somewhere, like New York. Sure, Paul has mentioned a thing or two about possibly playing in NYC, but if he comes here to Philly they’d love him here Cliff Lee style, and he’s an uber-competitive guy who would love the pressure he’d get to perform here.
Jrue’s not exciting? You should read other Sixer blogs and then hang out with pastor Doug and confess your lack of faith in the Sixer franchise’s savior. Seriously though, there isn’t a better piece out there that would be available than Jrue Holiday, and no one has a better position than the Sixers. Paul to Minnesota makes no sense. To Sactown, no sense. Clippers make sense but is Eric Gordon a franchise piece? Wizard would rather try to build around Wall.
About Iguodala, I get all that about what’s more likely and what’s less likely, but I place more weight on this game 5 because it was the playoffs and he was going against two superstars. It took him 4 years and 3 playoff series, but it just feels like a monkey-off-the-back game from him, and if we make the playoffs again next year I would expect great games from him every game.
We need a thread to recap the Sixers season. There is so much to talk about what happened then, now, and next season.
Next season, the Sixers need more from that bench (not named Lou, Thad, and Turner). The center position has to be better for sure. Also, this team needs another SF, who can defend, hustle, and provide offense in opportune moments. This team could have acquired Battier at the trade deadline for Speights, who has been inconsistent and his role is undefined. Battier, at least, has a role defined.
The only hope is that players will love to play for an individual like Doug Collins. People love and appreciate him.
GO SIXERS!
Zack – If Paul came here, he’d own the city. Fans would be taping Sixers games and figuratively masturbating.
I think you’re right in the sense that usually when stars are available, they’re not on public auction for the highest bidder. Only a very select few can bargain. So here’s to fostering Thorn’s goodwill and connections.
I’m very high on Jrue. I’m just not sure others outside of this organization are. Usually the one thing that is sure to attract attention is scoring. Since Holiday is not dropping 20ppg, I can’t assume he is coveted enough to justify a possible superstar trade.
I wonder how available Paul really is.
A new thread would be cool.
Is Lebron crying or swallowing his lima beans?
Note: Lynam, Celestand & Fagan on CSN Sixers’ discussion panel now (6:30-7:00)
See ya, Dre
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sixerville/Sources-Iguodala-a-no-show-at-meeting-with-team-officials.html
Not true:
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/deep-sixer/Iguodala-was-at-a-doctors-appointment.html
Dannie, would like your take on how this series affected your perception of our young guys, if any?
I plan to put a new post up tonite. Need some time to reflect.
This team needs better depth that will play and be productive. In the playoffs, Doug Collins finally established a consistent rotation that I think will be set for next season. However, the Sixers need the following:
1. Depth at the center position (shot blocker, defender, rebounder, interior scoring) and have Hawes more as a backup.
2. Another SF who is athletic, can defend well against stronger players, rebound, hustle, and provide energy (an Iguodala backup)
3. If possible, a better guard to start at the 2. (Have Meeks off the bench perhaps.)
Here are the free agents for 2011:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-11-12
I can’t remember another time when I watched the Sixers close out their season playing perhaps their best game of the year.
Sort of fitting given how the team has overachieved but been undermanned. Never more evident than seeing them play at their best in game 5, only to fall a bit short. Somehow they need to find a way to upgrade their talent- but I lay that on their GM. I can’t find much fault in the effort and execution of their current players and coach.
Well said. It’s more like an abomination of a GM.
Job security was once thought to be precious; no more, I guess.
Aside from acquiring talent, the Sixers need to continue to build within themselves:
Andre Iguodala- needs to be more offensive and look for more mismatches
Did he attempt more free throws than threes this season? That was what Doug Collins wanted before this season started:
Regular Season
61 3FGM / 181 3FGA Regular Season = 33.7%
208 FTM / 300 FTA = 69.3 %
The answer is YES. However, that free throw percentage is UNACCEPTABLE!! I know he is better than that. For his career, Iguodala is a 74.5% free throw shooter (average, but must improve there and go there more often)
Postseason:
3 3FGM / 14 3FGA = 21.4%
10 FTM / 14 FTA = 71.4%
The attempts are equal. Part of that was Miami’s defense, but really Iguodala could have been more aggressive there. That is the part he needs to work on next postseason– take it to the hoop and make your free throws.
The Free Throw percentage is better than the regular season, but still not good enough. He needs to get closer to 80% or better.
I want the Iguodala who showed up Games 4 and 5 to be playing like that for most games. I am content with the assists, rebounds, and defense. What the fans and I want is more production offensively from him.
I hope he gets his rest this summer after a busy one last season and work out with Kobe.
GO SIXERS!
I wanted to put this out there after reading a season review about Golden St. and also hearing their g.m. wants to improve their defense. Would you guys, and do you think Golden St., would do this deal? E. Turner and Lou for M. Ellis. We get a #1 scorer who upped his 3pt. % to 36 % this year and is 25, and they get a big guard that allows Curry to play off the ball at times and an explosive 6th man.
Their new owner, Joe Lacob, used to be part of the Celtics’ ownership group and so let’s say he saw what worked there and wants to replicate it with GS – basically, get superstars. If anything, I would say he’d try to build around Ellis (his Paul Pierce?), and if not, trade Ellis or Curry for a definite star. Turner could be fantastic next to Curry (or Ellis) as the primary ballhandler, but is his star as bright as Ellis’? I would say no. But it’s seriously a perfect situation for Turner, or Iguodala.
For the Sixers it would be terrific. Ellis doesn’t want to guard and we have Jrue and Iguodala for that. But the new ownership is too smart for this kind of trade. Maybe if you threw in a couple of first rounders, he might bite, because it seems to be a smarter front office and probably recognize that there are only a few storylines you can sell out there, “there’s hope for the future, look at our young guys”, “we’re contenders”, or “we’re knocking on the door and we have the flexibility to make just one more move to put us over the top.” Getting Turner is the rebuilding storyline, so it could work.
The one downside for the Sixers is that unless Jrue develops into an elite NBA player, not just a top 6-7 PG but a top 15 NBA player, we’re not winning the title with that Monta Ellis-enhanced roster and we’ve lost the flexibility to makes moves by taking on Ellis’ contract, we’d basically be stuck with a 2nd-round/conference finals team for years (see: the Hawks of Atlanta).
Speaking of bird city (Hawks, Falcons, Thrashers, and if you take this to “winged creatures” then the Yellow Jackets) I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the 2nd round of the playoffs, what always happens is that the better team hasn’t quite found its next gear up yet and it always looks like the lesser team has a chance and you’re teased into thinking UPSET!, but the better team always finds that extra gear and pulls if off. It’s a fun ride for a fan.
Having said that, I can’t wait for the Grizzlies and the Hawks to make it to the conference finals! Gasol vs. Gasol, brother vs. brother, has that ever happened before in the playoffs? And the Hawks have two players I like more than anyone on the Bulls, Al Horford and Kirk Hinrich. I thought that the Hinrich trade was great tweak trade for the Hawks, I felt that with all that talent all they needed was a better game-manager type of quarterback/coach on the floor and you couldn’t do better than Hinrich, someone who’ll get out of the way of Jamal Crawford and the big man talent they have. The Grizzlies taking down OKC would hinge on the Grizzlies defense and star power almost always takes down defense in the playoffs, even if you do have Battier and Tony Allen, but the Bulls going down to the Hawks I can see it in 6 games, Rose will get his but that Chicago supporting cast is questionable.